Vet sector overhaul coming in 2026 - what's changing and how to cut your bills now

The Government has announced the biggest overhaul of the vet sector in 60 years. If it goes ahead, vets will need to publish clear price lists, hold an operating licence, and declare whether the practice is part of a chain or independent.

Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Hayman said: “Pets are part of the family, and owners deserve clear information, fair treatment and confidence in the care their animals receive.

“We’re focused on making vet services work better for families by improving transparency, increasing choice and helping people make informed decisions, while continuing to support the professionals who care for our animals.”

This follows a Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into vet services which found competition problems in the market. They found issues that could be costing households around £1bn over five years and said vet prices have risen much faster than inflation in recent years.

Some of the more specific proposals recommended by the CMA include:

• capping the price of providing prescriptions at £16
• making it easier for pet owners to buy cheaper medicines online (vet owners will need to tell patients about cheaper options)
• providing clearer estimates for treatments over £500 to make costs transparent
• providing clear pricing information for each vet practice on websites like Find a Vet to make comparisons easier

These measures aim to make vet costs more transparent so pet owners can compare costs more easily.

When will the vet sector changes kick in?

Defra has launched an 8‑week consultation on the reforms. After that, measures need finalising and, in some cases, new laws or systems need to be implemented. The CMA stated some changes could kick in by the end of 2026. However, full reform could take years.

In the meantime, if you need support with your vet bills right now, there are still lots of options available.

How to get help with vet bills now

Navigating the world of vet bills might feel a little like the Wild West right now, but there are steps you can take to manage medical expenses for your pets. Plus, there’s support if you are struggling. We’ve outlined some options below.

Get covered (or review your cover): pet insurance

Pet insurance won’t make treatment free, but it can stop a big bill sinking your budget. Here’s some things to consider.

• Pick the right type: Lifetime cover protects ongoing conditions; time‑limited/accident‑only is cheaper but narrower.
• Mind the excess and co‑payments: Typical excesses range between £60–£125, with some higher; older pets may have a co‑payment added. Cheaper premium often means higher excess at claim time.
• Shop around: Use comparison sites plus direct‑only insurers; check inner limits (e.g. dental, imaging) before you agree to pricey treatment.

Talk to your vet about payment options

Some practices offer payment plans. This can spread costs, sometimes interest‑free, but availability varies by clinic and it's a finance plan, so you'll need to get approval. Always ask before treatment starts.

Payment plans are a form of debt. If you’re worried about debt racking up, it’s worth ringing organisations like MoneyWellness or Citizens Advice to get advice before choosing.

Cut medicine costs (safely)

Ask about a written prescription so you can compare licensed online pharmacies. This is especially helpful for repeat meds where the savings can rack up.

Under the CMA’s proposals, issuing prescriptions should be easier and capped at £16; but check current fees first now, as reforms aren’t live yet.

Do not use human medicines or DIY remedies; paracetamol and ibuprofen are toxic to pets.

Use preventative care to lower costs

Vaccinations, parasite control, weight management and earlier check‑ups save money long‑term. If a clinic offers a pet health plan which offers preventative care, compare the monthly fee vs what you’d normally spend; read the small print on what’s included.

Try animal charities offering low‑cost or emergency help

Some pet charities can offer lower cost care or emergency help depending on your circumstances. Here are some options to consider:

• PDSA: Free or low‑cost treatment if you’re on qualifying benefits and in a catchment area. There’s also PDSA Pet Care (£4.50/month) via partner practices with discounts, a free check up and an annual vaccination.
• Blue Cross: If your vet is one of 1,600+ signed up, the Veterinary Care Fund can grant up to £300 for one‑off/emergency treatments (not routine care). Your vet applies on your behalf.
• Dog’s Trust: If you’re homeless or in a housing crisis, the Dogs Trust might be able to offer free or lower-cost vet help.
• Cats protection: If you’re on benefits and have a low household income, Cats protection could offer free or low cost neutering options.

Key takeaways

• The Government is planning the biggest revamp of the vet sector in 60 years, with clearer pricing, operating licences for vet practices, and ownership transparency.
• Proposed changes include capping prescription fees at £16, clearer estimates for costly treatments, and easier access to cheaper online medicines.
• An 8‑week consultation is underway, and some measures could begin rolling out from late 2026, but full reform will take longer.
• If you're struggling with costs now, options include reviewing pet insurance, asking your vet about payment plans, cutting medicine costs using written prescriptions, and keeping up with preventative care.
• Charities such as PDSA, Blue Cross, Dogs Trust, and Cats Protection can offer free, low‑cost or emergency help, depending on your situation and location.